Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Overland Park, KS: $45,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Overland Park, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,999 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Overland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,604 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,888) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of practical nursing in Overland Park can anticipate a starting licensed practical nurse salary ranging from $45,999 to the median salary of $62,888 for the region. This initial pay bracket signals substantial growth potential; entry-level practitioners can realistically expect their earnings to increase as they gain experience, moving towards an estimated $55,353 within the first few years. The competitive salaries for LPNs in Overland Park, close to the Kansas average, illustrate a promising job market. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, the field appears to be evolving in a way that benefits newly licensed professionals, making Overland Park a viable option for those beginning their careers in healthcare.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Overland Park
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Overland Park
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Overland Park, KS typically start between $45,999 and $55,353 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,632 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,888 — 7.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Kansas of $9,000 represents just 19.57% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($45,999/year) in Overland Park. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Overland Park
- 1Research the Overland Park market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $45,999 to $55,353, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Overland Park, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Overland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Overland Park's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Overland Park is $39,632 ( 86.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,999, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,631.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,237
2025 BLS Actual
$43,518
2026 Current Est.
$45,999
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,237 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,121 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,957 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,620 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Overland Park, KS grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,237 in 2019 to $43,518 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,620. New graduates entering the Overland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Overland Park
Employers in Overland Park likely to hire new graduates include skilled nursing facilities, which often provide structured on-the-job training programs for recent LPNs. Home health agencies also represent a popular choice for entry-level practitioners desiring flexible hours, while physician offices typically seek candidates with experience in specific clinic settings. To secure higher starting wages in Kansas, candidates should hold an active LPN/LVN license, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and pass the NCLEX-PN. Additionally, pursuing certifications in IV therapy or wound care can enhance earning potential. It’s essential for new LPNs to understand that the scope of practice varies across states, and many opt for LPN-to-RN bridge programs as they advance their careers due to hospitals increasingly favoring all-RN staffing models. Realistically, those in their first few years may see their salaries rise gradually as they accumulate experience and credentials, making informed choices about professional development critical for success in this field.
More salary data for Overland Park, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Overland Park in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Overland Park?
Is nursing school worth it in Overland Park?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Overland Park?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Overland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Overland Park is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov